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Created on:
August 26, 1998
Last Updated:
Additional Tab B: Baton Rouge to New Orleans, LA, Trigger Points/
Recommended Actions
This section was developed by a working group convened by Rear Admiral
Josiah, the Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District on June 25, 1997. Captain
Marsh, the New Orleans Captain of the Port (COTP) headed the group to
document the lessons learned during the extreme high water on the Lower
Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in the spring of 1997.
This Appendix was finalized in November and forwarded to Rear Admiral Josiah
on December 24,1997, before the start of the 1998 high water season. Involved
parties agreed to meet following each high water season to discuss plan
effectiveness and make changes as necessary.
Members of the working group formed subgroups of the various stakeholders to
address problems unique to each subgroup. The subgroups were headed by
industry representatives who solicited input and reviewed comments from their
industry segments.
We, as subgroup chairmen, recognize that planning for navigation crises on the
Mississippi River is a dynamic process, however, the recommended safety
measures identified in this Appendix are those that we support and ones we urge
our industry counterparts to also support.
Waterway Managers are CAUTIONED that the following listed
response actions are generic and the target stages are suggested.
Since response actions will vary from event to event, the cited
target stages may be modified to reflect the current events and
conditions.
Steps and actions that should be considered by waterway managers during
extreme high water conditions are listed in the following Sections of this appendix
 Line Tow Operations
 Canal Towing Operations
 Barge Fleeting Operations
 Facility and Midstream Operations

Deep Draft Vessel Operations
Levee Protection and Considerations
Summary of Changes:
The following list reflects minor changes agreed upon by the COTP,
ACOE, and industry following high water season plan reviews.
1998 Review
1. Made Canal and Line Tow trigger points the same. Lowered
Canal and Line Tow horsepower requirements in the watch phase
from 250 horsepower per barge to 240 horsepower per barge.
2. Added a clause in the Facility and Midstream Operations watch
phase requirements requiring facilities to inventory and minimize
the storage of hazmat in the batture prior to high water.
3. Build flexibility into the plan to allow review of flow rate data in
making determinations to lower phase requirements.
4. Changed wording in Canal Towing Operations watch phase so
that a mandatory TAV won’t be considered until the
implementation phase (for vessels transiting locks). Instead COTP
will consider ordering tows greater than 600’ to employ a private
assist vessel when transiting locks at river heights between 28’ –
35’.
Line Tow Operations (Carrollton Gage)
Discussion:
High water levels and/or current speeds greatly reduce maneuverability of tugs
and tows. Relative speed through the water can approach zero when
southbound, making normal control of a vessel impossible. To continue to
operate in high currents, the flanking maneuver was developed to use, rather
than fight, the current to navigate around the many points on the river systems.
Additionally, normal Aids to Navigation (ATON) are often destroyed or no longer
mark the preferred channels, or are in the way of required flanking maneuvers.
Regulated Navigation Area High Water Requirements:
33 CFR 165.810 designates the Mississippi River below Baton Rouge as a
Regulated Navigation Area at all times. At specific conditions listed below,
additional requirements regulating vessel traffic go into effect.
Carrollton Gage
Vessels regulated
Restrictions
8 Feet and rising
Tugs with tows and All ships
Algiers Point light controls
vessels passing Algiers Point.
12 Feet or higher
Under-powered or poorly
handling vessel
Use assist tug passing Algiers
Point
12 Feet or higher
Towing on Hawser
Towing downstream between
Julia and Desire St. is
prohibited.
Additional Crisis Action Plan Trigger Points/Recommended actions (Baton
Rouge Gage):
COTP New Orleans and industry stakeholders should consider implementation of
the following safety measures for the LMR when the Baton Rouge Gage reaches
the level indicated.
Phase 1: WATCH PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 28 feet and rising.
Representatives of the COTP, ACOE, and marine industry, shall communicate to
examine current flow rate data and determine if the river will continue to rise or
sustain a level of 28' or more. If so, likely responses include:

An advisory should be issued to all line tow operators and towing
companies recommending a ratio of 240 horsepower per barge for
southbound transit of this area, with a maximum tow size of 35 barges.

Towing companies will be advised to staff their vessels with their most
experienced crews.

Points or bends and bridge approaches that have a history of problems
such as Wilkinson Point will be assessed to see if problems are
developing.

Buoys that will prevent tows from taking a proper line around points and
bends and hinder flanking operations, such as those at Wilkinson Point,
should be removed to allow southbound vessels to flank close around the
point.

Owner/Operators will ensure towing vessel inspections are completed
before entering the RNA as per 33 CFR 164.
Phase 2: IMPLEMENTATION PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 35 feet and rising.
Representatives of the COTP, ACOE, and marine industry shall communicate as
the river stage approaches 35' on the Baton Rouge gage to determine:

If the river will continue to rise and sustain level of 35' or more and
evaluate current flow rate.

If the 240 horsepower per barge advisory is adequate for safe navigation.

Note: If a "Safety Zone" is established, the horsepower ratio should
increase to 280 horsepower per barge for southbound transit through the
safety zone with a maximum tow size of 30 barges.
When conditions dictate, the COTP New Orleans will establish a
Safety Zone to:

Require "daylight transit only" for southbound tows transiting Baton Rouge
Harbor when river levels dictate the need for a TAV at Wilkinson point.

Establish a "no meeting or passing zone" from mile 232 AHOP to mile 237
AHOP when river levels dictate the need for a TAV at Wilkinson Point.

Northbound vessels unable to make at least 3 mph through the safety
zone must use an assist tug to help them through the upper Baton Rouge
Bridge and around Wilkinson Point.
When a Traffic Assist Vessel (TAV) is stationed at Wilkinson Point to assist
vessels transiting the Highway 190 bridge, an industry self-help plan should be
implemented to fund and schedule this vessel. This vessel should be equipped
with telephone and fax capability to communicate with the Traffic Information
Center and /or Traffic Control Center.
In addition to the vessel crew, industry stakeholder representatives and USCG
representatives should be onboard the TAV any time it is functioning as a Traffic
Control Center. The TAV should also assist the COTP office in handling requests
for exemptions to any established requirements in the Safety Zone.
The TAV will coordinate line boat traffic only through the safety zone.
The TAV will have a minimum of 5600 hp.
Phase 3: EMERGENCY PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 39 feet and rising.
If a COTP Safety Zone has not already been established at Wilkinson Point, one
should be put in place. Horsepower ratios should be increased to 300
horsepower per barge for southbound transit and maximum tow size should be
reduced to 25 barges. All other restrictions should remain as established in the
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE.
Mixed Tows:

Vessels transiting the safety zone that have mixed loaded/empty tows and
do not meet the horsepower per barge requirement must contact the
Traffic Control Center to obtain permission to transit the safety zone.
Example: A 6000 horsepower boat with 15 loads and 10 empties would not meet
the horsepower requirement at 35' on the Baton Rouge gage, but should be
given permission to transit because this tow and HP configuration is sufficiently
powered to meet the intent of the Safety Zone requirements.

Vessels transiting the safety zone with mixed tows of dry cargo and
loaded chemical barges shall make every effort to place the loaded
chemical barges in a safe position within the tow, preferably surrounded
by the dry cargo barges.
Phase 4: RECOVERY PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 39 feet and falling with
projections to fall below flood stage or when flow rate is decreasing below that
which was present at phase activation.
Call meeting of impacted parties, to include marine industry (AWO, GNOBFA,
Pilots, Steamship Association, etc), ACOE, COTP, MSD, and Governor's
Representative to:

Review river gauges and velocities.
Efforts to phase back into normal operations should begin as soon as the river
begins to crest after any high water period. The dynamics of the river system
decrease rapidly as it reaches crest and begins a gradual fall. In order to
determine actual river conditions, "Test Tows" should be used to sample the
lessening effect of the river on operating conditions. This testing will provide the
feedback needed to determine when and how to gradually return to normal
operating procedures.
Discuss phase down of restrictions that should include adjustments as follows:

Tow size, horsepower/tonnage ratios.

Safety zone restrictions.

Control vessels.

Removing TIC and TCC controls.

Ship anchorages.

Issue Notice to Mariners based on phase down recommendations.

Issue Navigation Advisories to industry through High Water Action Group.

Review and critique data and events. COTP will retain historical data.
Note: River flow rate data can be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers for Tarbert Landing, Mississippi. Flow at Tarbert Landing correlates to
flow in Baton Rouge with a one day time lag and New Orleans with a two day
time lag. When flow approaches the rate which was present at the initial setting
of any condition, impacted parties should discuss rescinding the phase condition
evaluating the factors listed above.
Canal Towing Operations (Carrollton Gage)
Discussion:
Canal towing vessels face all the same problems as Line Tow vessels.
Additionally, they face the hazards of maneuvering into and out of locks at high
current flows, the difficulty in turning upstream coming out of a lock, and being
trapped when a lock is out of commission due to high water or allision damage.
Regulated Navigation Area High Water Requirements:
33 CFR 165.810 designates the Mississippi River below Baton Rouge as a
Regulated Navigation Area at all times. At specific conditions listed below,
additional requirements regulating vessel traffic go into effect.
Carrollton Gage
Vessels regulated
Restrictions
8 Feet and rising
Tugs with tows and All ships
Algiers Point light controls
vessels passing Algiers Point.
12 Feet or higher
Under-powered or poorly
handling vessel
Use assist tug passing Algiers
Point
12 Feet or higher
Towing on Hawser
Towing downstream between
Julia St. and Desire St. is
prohibited.
Additional Crisis Action Plan Trigger Points/Recommended actions(Baton
Rouge Gage):
COTP New Orleans and industry stakeholders should consider implementation of
the following safety measures for the LMR when the Baton Rouge Gage reaches
the level indicated.
Phase 1: WATCH PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 28 feet and rising:
Captain of the Port New Orleans should host a meeting with the Canal Towboat
Operators Action Team, the Supervisor of MSU Baton Rouge, and state
government representatives to examine current flow rate and determine if the
river will continue to rise and maintain a level of 28’ or more. If so, likely
responses include:

Consider a COTP order requiring tows greater than 600’ to employ a
private assist vessel when exiting locks.

Consider a COTP Safety Zone at all/some river/canal Lock forebays.

Evaluate need for all North bound tows departing Port Allen Locks and
entering the Mississippi River to proceed southbound and then top North
below Mile 226.
COTP New Orleans will issue Notices to Mariners on all recommended actions.
The towing industry should issue recommended actions through the High Water
Action Team.
The US Army Corps of Engineers will be requested to distribute recommended
actions at their locks.
When Baton Rouge Gage reaches 30 feet and rising:

Hold meeting of Canal High Water Action Team.

Review stage forecast and current velocities.

Review previous recommendations on new stage predictions.

When river stage reaches 33 feet on the Baton Rouge Gage, promulgate
a COTP order requiring tows greater than 600’ to employ a private assist
vessel when exiting locks. Consider COTP order requiring tows less than
600’ to employ a private assist vessel when exiting locks. Evaluate need
for mandatory TAV at Port Allen Lock for multiple barge tows entering and
exiting locks.

COTP to reissue marine information broadcast. (as needed)

Issue industry notices through High Water Action Team.
Phase 2: IMPLEMENTATION PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 35 feet and rising
with projections to exceed flood stage:

Hold meeting of Canal High Water Action Team, now to include
representative of US Army Corp of Engineers

Review river gages, flow rate data, and current velocities.

Review and evaluate recommendations in Watch Phase.

Implement mandatory TAV at Port Allen Locks. COTP to assign
representative on TAV or at Locks.

Implement vessel H.P. and tonnage restrictions (5 ton per 1 H.P.).

Review Lock forebay safety zone and make recommendations for
changes to COTP.

Review ship anchorages below Port Allen Lock forebay and make
recommendations to COTP.

Discuss the need for implementation of TCC or TIC and make
recommendation to COTP.

Review log of marine incidents during high water period.

COTP issue Notice to Mariners on current recommendations.

Issue industry notices through High Water Action Team.

Company Management to review pilothouse high water experience.

Company Management to review maintenance standards with vessel
personnel prior to entering Locks.

Company Management to review tow configuration and rigging prior to
entering Locks.

Towing companies will be advised to staff their vessels with their most
experienced crews.
Phase 3: EMERGENCY PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 39 feet and rising:
Hold meeting of High Water Action Team to include Canal Action Team, COTP,
MSD Supervisor, Local Office of Emergency Preparedness, Representative of
Governor's Office, and US Army Corp of Engineers and all other Action Teams
to:

Review river gauges, velocities and forecast.

Review restrictions mandated during Implementation Phase.

Review and recommend tow length restrictions to COTP.

Discuss the need for implementation of TCC and TIC and make
recommendation to COTP.

Review Safety Zone Mile 223.0 to 238.0 AHP and make recommendation
to COTP.

When exiting the Port Allen Lock into the Mississippi River, recommend
that northbound tows initially go south below Mile 226, then turn around
and go north.

Establish scheduled meetings to interface with other groups of the High
Water Action Team from a logistics and communications standpoint. Make
recommendations to COTP of any changes needed.
Phase 4: RECOVERY PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 39 feet and falling with
projections to fall below flood stage or when flow rate is decreasing below that
which was present at phase activation.
Call meeting of High Water Action Team, to include all groups of team, ACOE,
COTP, MSD, and Governor's Representative to:

Review river gauges and velocities.
Efforts to phase back into normal operations should begin as soon as the river
begins to crest after any high water period. The dynamics of the river system
decrease rapidly as it reaches crest and begins a gradual fall.
Discuss phase-down of restrictions that should include adjustments as follows:

Tow size, horsepower/tonnage ratios.

Safety zone restrictions.

Control vessels.

Removing TIC and TCC controls.

Ship anchorages.

Issue Notice to Mariners based on phase down recommendations.

Issue Navigation Advisories to industry through High Water Action Group.

Review and critique data and events. COTP will retain historical data.
Note: River flow rate data can be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers for Tarbert Landing, Mississippi. Flow at Tarbert Landing correlates to
flow in Baton Rouge with a one day time lag and New Orleans with a two day
time lag. When flow approaches the rate which was present at the initial setting
of any condition, impacted parties should discuss rescinding the phase condition
evaluating the factors listed above.
Barge Fleeting Operations
Discussion:
High water brings stronger currents that strain mooring appliances and make
"downstreaming" and routine fleeting operations more hazardous to fleet
employees and downstream facilities and vessels if a breakaway occurs. The
Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association (GNOBFA) in partnership with
MSO New Orleans has developed "The Standards of Care & Streamlined
Inspection Program Guide Book" or commonly, the GNOBFA guide. Due to the
design and configuration of barge fleets in the New Orleans area, most
preventive maintenance measures must be accomplished during low water
conditions. Preventive and high water preparatory recommendations that should
be accomplished before high water conditions arise are included in the Guide
and are not repeated here.
Regulated Navigation Area High Water Requirements:
33 CFR 165.803 describes barge mooring rules for the Lower
Mississippi River between miles 88 and 240 (Above Head of
Passes) to minimize fleeting hazards. Subsection (m) has
additional rules for High Water periods.
Carrollton Gage (mm 88 - mm 167)
Required Actions
12 Feet or more or,
10 Feet and rising when designated
by the District Commander
Corresponding Readings on the
Baton Rouge Gage
(mm 167 - mm 240)
30 feet or more or,
28 feet and rising when designated
by the District Commander
Fleet PIC must:
1. Attend fleet with tug(s)
2. Do radar surveillance of
fleet in low visibility
3. Not assemble or
disassemble tows
during low visibility
4. Ensure fleets w/8 or
more barges are
equipped w/1 radar
equipped towboat for
each 100 barges or less
5. Ensure 2 or more
towboats are in
attendance when
barges are withdrawn,
moved or added & 8 or
more barges in fleet
This Tab assumes the Bonnet Carre spillway will be opened by the ACOE
when the Mississippi River approaches 17-18 feet on the Carrollton Gage. If
not, then additional procedures may be required.
Recommended High Water Actions:
The COTP and impacted industry stakeholders shall consider implementation of
the following safety measures during periods of high water.
Phase 1: WATCH PHASE - Carrollton Gage 10 feet and rising:

The COTP New Orleans or the President of GNOBFA should call a
meeting with the GNOBFA Emergency Action Team and USCG Facilities
personnel from the MSO/MSD to discuss the upcoming high water.

Hold a general GNOBFA membership meeting, invite Marine Safety Office
representative to review the "Standards of Care & Streamlined Inspection
Program Guide Book" (GNOBFA guide) and related regulations with all
management/vessel personnel. The president of GNOBFA should remind
all operators that their fleets must be managed in accordance with the
requirements in 33 CFR 165.803. Preventive measures in the GNOBFA
guide should be addressed.

Ensure High Water Recommendations in the GNOBFA Guide and the
Awareness Phase have been addressed.

Review the Streamlined Inspection Manual and related regulations with all
management/vessel personnel.

Prepare and review additional vessel/horsepower requirements for fleet
towboats and line operations.

Review the Breakaway Response Plan with all management/vessel
personnel.
Phase 2: IMPLEMENTATION PHASE - Carrollton Gage 12 feet and rising:
The President of GNOBFA will coordinate GNOBFA member participation in a
TIC if it is stood up as outlined in Chapter 3.
Recommendations for all Fleets:

All management/vessel personnel should review the GNOBFA
Streamlined Inspection Guide and related Coast Guard regulations.

Phase 1 recommendations should be completed and reviewed with all
management/vessel personnel.

Breakaway Response Plans should be reviewed and where possible
tested during evening or off-peak operating hours.

Fleet Operators should inform the President of GNOBFA of unique
conditions and fleet management problems as they develop so that this
information gets passed to other GNOBFA members and MSO personnel.
Phase 3: EMERGENCY PHASE – 17 feet or above on the Carrollton Gage, or
35 feet or greater on the Baton Rouge Gage with the Bonnet Carre Spillway
Open:

Recommendations for Phase 1 and 2 should have been completed.

The GNOBFA Emergency Action Team and COTP personnel will review
high water conditions and unique problems individual fleets are
experiencing daily and determine additional safety measures that may be
required.
If river conditions and casualties require the establishment of Traffic Control
Centers, affected fleets should be prepared to work closely with the COTP to
minimize traffic disruptions and ensure river safety.
Each fleet operator should:

Minimize the potential of breakaway tank barge incidents by arranging
fleets to provide maximum protection and security for tank barges carrying
oil and hazardous chemicals.

Monitor river forces on mooring and anchor equipment. Reduce fleet
widths and sizes based on location and river conditions.
The President of GNOBFA will continue to coordinate GNOBFA member
participation in a TIC. The TIC will coordinate closely with the ACOE and CG
Crisis Action Centers to ensure information on changing river conditions,
casualties and other incidents is rapidly passed to all fleets.
Phase 4: RECOVERY PHASE - Baton Rouge Gage 39 feet and falling with
projections to fall below flood stage or when flow rate is decreasing below that
which was present at phase activation.
Evaluate the need for a meeting with government and industry stakeholders.

Review river gages and velocities.
Efforts to phase back into normal operations should begin as soon as the river
begins to crest after any high water period. The dynamics of the river system
decrease rapidly as it reaches crest and begins a gradual fall. GNOBFA
leadership should look at fleets significantly impacted by high water and identify
schedules to begin building back to normal capacity.
Consider phase-down of restrictions that should include adjustments as follows:

Safety zone restrictions.

Removing TIC and TCC controls.

Make recommendations to COTP for phase down and recovery. Issue
Notice to Mariners based on phase down recommendations.

Issue Navigation Advisories to industry through High Water Action Group.

Review and critique data and events. COTP will retain historical data.
Note: River flow rate data can be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers for Tarbert Landing, Mississippi. Flow at Tarbert Landing correlates to
flow in Baton Rouge with a one day time lag and New Orleans with a two day
time lag. When flow approaches the rate which was present at the initial setting
of any condition, impacted parties should discuss rescinding the phase condition
evaluating the factors listed above.
Facility and Midstream Operations
Discussion:
High water levels increase river currents making vessel berthing more difficult
and increasing the danger of wharf-ramming and moored vessels parting their
lines. Facility personnel face much more serious consequences if they fall
overboard into the river.
Flood Stage Issues:
Each facility or berth within a facility often has a specific operations plan or
operating pattern that takes operational safety and operational design limits into
consideration. This Crisis Action Plan is not designed to be used in lieu of or to
cover those specifics, but to strengthen our commitment to safety and provide
some guidance for future operators while looking at issues that may not have
already been considered.
River Stage High Water Trigger Points:
River Stage Trigger Points will vary with such factors as the rate of rise or fall of
the river and the current river stage and flow rate. Each reach of the river has its
own difficulties, as will each facility, depending on the location in relationship to
eddies, bends, river width, etc. With few exceptions the area between mile 106
AHP and the Gulf of Mexico historically does not experience significant difficulties
during high water. All Points listed here are used as general guidelines only and
are not intended to be absolute.
Gauges
Mile
High Water
Alert
Flood Stage
Alert
(*)Corps of
Engineers Project
Flood Flow Line
Baton Rouge
228.4
30 feet & rising
35 feet
46.1 feet
Donaldsonville
175.5
25 feet & rising
27 feet
34.4 feet
Reserve
138.8
19 feet & rising
22 feet
26.0 feet
New Orleans
102.8
08 feet & rising
17 feet
19.8 feet
(*) The river elevations that the levees are engineered to handle. Levees are generally a few feet
higher than the Project Flood Flow line.
Recommended High Water Actions:
The COTP and impacted industry stakeholders should consider implementation
of the following safety measures during periods of high water.
Phase 1-2: WATCH PHASE/IMPLEMENTATION PHASE - Carrollton Gage 8
feet and rising, or equivalent levels in above table.
Implement high-water Alert checks:

Review facility high water safety practices for equipment and personnel.

Give special attention to newer employees with least river experience.

Begin monitoring river stages, flow rates and velocity more carefully and
frequently.

Check (where appropriate depending on type of facility and location)
mooring buoys for dock moorings, and mooring lines on floating
equipment such as barges and loading/discharge cranes.

Take corrective steps.

Inventory and minimize all hazmat stored in the batture prior to high water.
All moveable containers should be transported to safe locations prior to
attaining flood stage.
Phase 3: EMERGENCY PHASE - Carrollton Gage 15 feet and rising:

Increase exchange of information by most effective means including
meeting, if necessary, with Coast Guard, Pilots, Line handlers, and
Industry Organizations (Maritime Navigation Safety Association, Port
Safety Council, Greater New Orleans Barge Fleeting Association,
American Waterways Operators, and Steamship Association of
Louisiana).

Heighten awareness of safety practices.

Increase safety inspections.

Monitor vessels in berth for any potential problems or concerns.
Consider added precautions based on vessel size, etc. as follows:




Restricting docking windows;
Additional docking tugs;
Holding tugs;
Additional lines.
Depending on type of facility consider:

Placement and number of cranes and/or barges in cargo operations.

Issue advisory to vessels and agents of expected requirements with
regard to lines, anchors, etc.
Phase 4: RECOVERY PHASE - Carrollton Gage 17 feet and falling or when flow
rate is decreasing below that which was present at phase activation.
Efforts to phase back into normal operations should begin as soon as the river
begins to crest after any high water period. The dynamics of the river system
decrease rapidly as it reaches crest and begins a gradual fall.
Discuss phase-down of restrictions that should include adjustments as follows:

Safety zone restrictions.

Removing TIC and TCC controls.

Make recommendations to COTP for phase-down and recovery. Issue
Notice to Mariners based on phase-down recommendations.

Issue Navigation Advisories to industry through High Water Action Group.

Review and critique data and events. COTP will retain historical data.
Note: River flow rate data can be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers for Tarbert Landing, Mississippi. Flow at Tarbert Landing correlates to
flow in Baton Rouge with a one day time lag and New Orleans with a two day
time lag. When flow approaches the rate which was present at the initial setting
of any condition, impacted parties should discuss rescinding the phase condition
evaluating the factors listed above.
Deep Draft Vessel Operations
Discussion:
Upbound- Ships progress much slower, the longer voyage increases fatigue of
crew. Vessels moored along river more susceptible to wake damage or having
lines parted due to use of maximum power to make headway. Current strength
can cause radical swings, especially in river bends if not carefully piloted
Downbound- Speed over ground increases, while speed through water
decreases creating added potential for full/partial loss of control. Large increase
in time/distance required to slow or stop vessel making way. Current strength can
cause radical swings, especially in river bends if not carefully piloted. Difficulty of
transit adds stress to crew.
Regulated Navigation Area High Water Requirements:
33 CFR 165.810 designates the Mississippi River
below Baton Rouge as a Regulated Navigation
Area at all times. At specific conditions listed
below, additional requirements regulating vessel
traffic go into effect.
Carrollton Gage
Vessels regulated
Restrictions
8 Feet and rising
Tugs with tows and All ships
Algiers Point light controls
vessels passing Algiers Point.
12 Feet or higher
Under-powered or poorly
handling vessel
Use TAV passing Algiers Point
12 Feet or higher
Towing on Hawser
Towing downstream between
Julia and Desire St. is
prohibited.
Flood Stage Issues:
The New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association (NOBRA)
represents Louisiana State Commissioned Pilots who are self-employed and
operate over their area of state jurisdiction on the Mississippi River from New
Orleans to latitude 35 North Louisiana/Mississippi line. Each individual pilot has
the authority to issue safety recommendations to the ship and the marine
industry in his area of jurisdiction, as deemed necessary. The Association's role
is to facilitate communications between the pilot members and the Maritime
Industry.
The Association gathers information from the pilot members during all stages of
the river as they discuss situations among themselves. They ask the association
to relay and review these issues with the marine community.
The NOBRA jurisdiction, for the majority of deep draft traffic, encompasses over
140 miles of river. Each facility, shoreside or midstream, bend or straightaway,
anchorage, bridge, fleet, aid to navigation, etc., reacts differently to every high
and low water season, depending on its location on the river.
Below are some general guidelines developed over many years of experience
concerning problems or issues that appear during a rising river, and at, or above
flood stages of the river. Some of these problems increase as the river rises and
current increases, alternately, these problems may decrease at higher river
stages. Pilots must re-evaluate all of these situations on a daily basis to maintain
safe operations.
Recommended High Water Actions:
The COTP and impacted industry stakeholders should consider implementation
of the following safety measures during periods of high water.
Phase 1: WATCH PHASE - Carrollton Gage 8 feet and rising:

All pilots begin to watch and evaluate how vessels are handling the
increased current, both up and downbound.

All pilots watch for air draft pertaining to bridge clearance, as calculated by
a vessel’s bridge team.

All pilots pass on information concerning disabled aids to navigation
among themselves, to the association, and to the U.S. Coast Guard.

All pilots evaluate docks, anchorages, and midstream facilities as to
current movement, eddies, etc., and these forces' adverse reaction on the
ship.

All pilots evaluate large and small towing operations pertaining to the size
of tow as it relates to the horsepower of the towing vessel, flanking
maneuvers as opposed to steering maneuvers, etc.
Phase 2: IMPLEMENTATION PHASE - Carrollton Gage 12-15 feet and rising.
All pilots should continue to monitor and report those situations listed under the
Watch Phase. In addition, pilots may begin to experience an increase in:

Ships dragging anchor in anchorages and midstream facilities.

Ships parting mooring lines at dockside and midstream facilities.

Additional destruction of aids to navigation due to erosion of the bank, or
base of the aid due to higher currents.

Ships having more difficulty making points upbound and navigation bends
down bound.
Phase 3 EMERGENCY PHASE - Carrollton Gage 17 feet or more:

Poor handling ships may be recommended for daylight navigation only. In
extreme cases, when it will be effective, tug escorts are required.

In anchorages, more scope is put out on each anchor. Ships are reanchored when they drag out of position. Ships not holding are placed in
other anchorages, taken below New Orleans to anchor, or berthed at a
dock.

Some anchorages are limited as to number of ships, draft and size of ship,
or in extreme cases the entire anchorage is taken out of service.

At shoreside facilities additional mooring lines may be recommended to
the master, or the facility may require additional lines. Hold-in tugs may be
required by the facility, or recommended by the pilot on a case by case
basis. Additional assist tugs may be required by the facility or
recommended by the pilot during the mooring and unmooring process.
The same actions may be necessary for the midstream facilities as discussed
above for both anchorages and shore side facilities. Additionally, problems with
midstream buoys being properly lighted, insufficient number of buoys at the
facility, and being out of position are likely. The decision to utilize the midstream
facility, at night versus day, or at all, is made by the pilot/master.
NOBRA recommends that all deep-draft vessels transiting the Mississippi River
have a manned engine room and be capable of operating propulsion in a manual
mode and answering all ahead, stop and astern engine orders. Those vessels
incapable of performing as above will be evaluated on a case by case basis by
the pilot, who will recommend actions necessary for the safety of the vessel,
marine traffic, and facilities in NOBRA's area of jurisdiction.
Phase 4: RECOVERY PHASE - Carrollton Gage 17 feet and falling or when flow
rate is decreasing below that which was present at phase activation.
Call meeting of High Water Action Team to include all groups of team, ACOE,
COTP, MSD and Governor's Representative to:

Review river gages and velocities.

Review Safety zone restrictions.

Consider removing TIC and TCC controls.

Make recommendations to COTP for phase-down and recovery. Issue
Notice to Mariners based on phase-down recommendations.

Issue Navigation Advisories to industry through High Water Action Group.

Review and critique data and events. COTP will retain historical data.
Efforts to phase back into normal operations should begin as soon as the river
begins to crest after any high water period. This is because dynamics of the river
system decrease rapidly as it reaches crest and begins a gradual fall. However,
as river levels decrease, silt will rapidly settle to the river bottom and form mud
lumps. Great diligence must be used as river levels decline to avoid "hard"
groundings in areas prone to forming mud lumps as well as throughout the LMR.
River pilots should work closely with the ACOE and USCG to monitor and
document river conditions.
Note: River flow rate data can be obtained from the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers for Tarbert Landing, Mississippi. Flow at Tarbert Landing correlates to
flow in Baton Rouge with a one day time lag and New Orleans with a two day
time lag. When flow approaches the rate which was present at the initial setting
of any condition, impacted parties should discuss rescinding the phase condition
evaluating the factors listed above.